Plant's Tag:

Always look at the plant's tag to match the space and lighting with the plant’s requirements.

Dust Management:

Dust can build up on indoor plants, creating a barrier that hampers photosynthesis (energy production) as light cannot penetrate through. This can stunt plant growth. Keeping leaves clean by wiping them once a week with a soft damp cloth is advisable. Alternatively, placing them outside in the rain for a wash can also be effective.

Humidity Levels:

Upon purchasing a plant, check its humidity preference. Some plants, like the maidenhair fern, thrive in humid conditions and are well-suited for bathrooms with high humidity and good lighting. On the contrary, known as Dragon Tree, prefers dry conditions. Typically, plants favor a humidity range of 60%-80% or a temperature of 20°C, so adjust conditions accordingly.

Potting Up:

If the plant seems too big for the pot and the leaves aren't healthy and shiny, the plant may need potting up. Choose a pot the next size up, tease out the roots and backfill with new potting mix. Water in well with a liquid seaweed solution.

Drainage:

DO NOT buy a pot with no drainage hole, your plant NEEDS drainage.

Potting Mix:

Buy potting mix with vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss for extra drainage.

Timing:

If your plants are thriving and growing the way you want them to, eventually they will need a bigger pot — or some fresh potting mix. Repot plants in the spring when they are just starting to grow. Vigorous root growth will allow the plant to adjust to its new container quickly.

Potting Media:

When it comes time to repot, choose an organic soilless medium made specifically for potting houseplants (maybe even specific to your species of houseplant). There are many to choose from, or you can make your own.

Choosing a Pot:

Choose a pot that is bigger than the current container, but not huge. A pot that is too big can encourage root rot and other problems because the soil will remain wet for days, or even weeks before it can be used by the plant.

Repotting Process:

Take care with the root system when repotting to avoid damage. Carefully firm the soil around the root ball without compacting the soil. Leave enough space at the top of the new container for water and water thoroughly.

Frequency:

Fertilize about once a month (or according to the label), and not in winter.

Condition Analysis:

Take the time to analyze all conditions before pouring on more plant food – too much light or water can affect how the fertiliser works.

Type of fertiliser:

Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertiliser unless your plant has specific needs. If you have a flowering plant, you can buy a fertiliser that is high in potassium. If you have a foliage plant, you should get a fertiliser or potting soil high in Nitrogen.

Watering Check:

More plants are killed by over-watering than under-watering so check to see if your plant needs to be watered. Push your finger into the soil to the second knuckle, and if the soil feels dry, water the plant; if it feels moist, don't. If the tips of leaves are soft browning, it's likely being over-watered. If the tips are crunchy browning and curling, it's likely being under-watered. Never let your plant sit in a saucer of water as it can cause root rot and death. Empty saucers after watering.

Seasonal Watering:

If you plant in the spring and the weather is mild, watering about once a week is usually sufficient. As summer progresses, plants need more water.

Watering Depth:

Water your plants until the water comes out of the drainage holes to ensure moisture reaches the bottom of the soil.

Watering Area:

Water the soil, not the leaves and flowers. Wetting the foliage can lead to fungal diseases and sometimes scorched spots on leaves.

Weight Check:

Pick up the plant; if it feels lighter than normal, it probably needs water.

Sunlight Exposure:

Avoid putting the plant in direct sunlight. Instead, provide them with plenty of indirect light by placing them in a well-lit room. Fluorescent lights can work as an alternative to sunlight for some plants.

Temperature Management:

Also, keep indoor plants away from direct radiant heaters and warm or cool blasts of air from vents to prevent any adverse effects on their growth.

Leaf Coloration:

Yellow or brown leaves could indicate inconsistent watering or too much/little sunlight.

Movement:

Don’t move your plants around a lot. A sudden shift from a darker area to a sun-rich area can negatively affect the plant. If you wish to move the plant, take it to the new area for an hour a day. Gradually increase the time it spends in the new area until it fully adjusts.

Low Light Conditions:

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.): A flowering monocot that grows well without much light, though it flowers better with more light.
• Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra spp.): As its name suggests, this plant is very tough.
• Mother-in-law's Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata): A rigid strappy-leafed plant with lovely variegated foliage, extremely hardy as an indoor plant.

Plants that Prefer More Light:

• Philodendrons
• Chinese Happy Plant
• Lady Palm (Rhapis spp.): A long-lived indoor plant that can also be grown successfully outside in a sheltered environment.

Variegated Leaves:

Plants with variegated leaves will turn green if they aren’t in good light. The flowers on flowering plants dry out and fall off quickly if the compost is too dried out or if there isn't enough light.

Powdery Coating on Pots:

If you see a white powdery coating on your clay pots, it usually indicates that the plant was over-fertilized or that your water contains a lot of chalk.

Leaf Damage:

Leaves may develop holes in the center or along the edge due to brushing by people or pets.

Flower Bud Drop:

Flower buds will fall off before blooming if the compost or air is too dry, or if the plant doesn’t have enough light.

Pest Treatment:

If necessary, take plants outside to a shady spot and spray lightly with a natural insecticidal soap or pyrethrum to combat pests.